Systel plays a pivotal role in various armed forces modernization initiatives, with a particular focus on advancing digitalization across the defense sector through its highly rugged computers.
In the European land domain, every major capability program shares a common thread: the growing demand for digitalization to meet the needs of modern combat operations. This can range from tanks equipped with enhanced computing power and cutting-edge sensors to defense-wide digital infrastructures that integrate diverse capabilities and systems for improved command and control.
Modern combat is now inseparable from the collection, processing, distribution, and storage of data. As digitalization progresses, it will significantly influence how these processes are conducted and the results they achieve. European armed forces are eager to harness transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and other innovative advancements, which are key drivers of digitalization.
AI is expected to play a crucial role in defense applications, requiring substantial upgrades to existing computing infrastructure, especially at the tactical edge. NATO, for instance, has embarked on a digital transformation initiative aimed at enabling Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) by 2030.
This transformation seeks to enhance interoperability, improve situational awareness, and support data-driven decision-making.
The NATO Digital Transformation Implementation Strategy highlights the need to modernize, optimize, and transform digital environments to handle vast amounts of data. Similarly, individual NATO members have established their own strategies.
Digitalization also plays a crucial role in emerging land warfare concepts like manned-unmanned teaming. This approach involves close cooperation between unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and crewed systems for various missions, similar to the “loyal wingman” concept in aerial operations.
Such collaboration requires seamless data sharing between platforms and advanced autonomous capabilities, enabling UGVs to navigate complex battle environments independently.
Industrial Offsets
Beyond modernization, many European nations are focused on bolstering their domestic industrial bases to ensure the manufacturing and sustainment of defense equipment without over-reliance on foreign suppliers. This push stems from a desire for operational autonomy, with a resilient industrial base serving as a cornerstone.
The EU and individual European nations have laid out defense industrial strategies to strengthen their supply chains and address existential threats. Among the EU’s goals is directing 50% of defense procurement funds toward the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2035.
Several examples illustrate this shift toward an offset approach. For instance, the CV90 program in the Czech Republic involves close collaboration with local industry, ensuring domestic participation in manufacturing, assembly, and support. Similarly, the Hungarian Army’s acquisition of the German Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle includes production at a specialized facility in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary.
The Systel Advantage
Systel’s edge computing solutions are ideally suited to support European modernization efforts. By incorporating powerful capabilities such as NVIDIA’s Jetson embedded processors into compact, rugged systems, Systel enables land forces to deploy AI and advanced autonomy across a variety of platforms and applications. These technologies provide a decisive operational edge against peer adversaries.
Systel is also committed to working with European partners to enhance local involvement in its rugged computer technology, addressing demands for greater domestic participation in critical defense technologies while building robust supply chains.
Additionally, Systel’s solutions are ITAR-free, allowing for seamless export to European partners without the constraints of regulatory restrictions. With a proven track record of delivering rugged computing solutions across Europe, Systel is well-equipped to continue supporting its partners in addressing the current and pressing threats they face.
